Flashpoints in LGBT Litigation and Legislation

This course will address substantive and strategic issues related to a number of current issues affecting efforts to obtain legal equality for LGBT people. Topics may change, but will likely include litigating for heightened scrutiny for sexual orientation classifications in constitutional litigation, efforts to undo the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, the fight for the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in state and federal courts, state legislatures and in ballot contests, efforts to obtain familial status apart from marriage, prominent issues in litigating and legislating non-discrimination and parenting issues, federal legislative efforts including the Employment Non Discrimination Act, brewing school curriculum battles, and analysis of the religious liberty narrative.